Magnificat Prayer Breakfast Unites Community in Faith and Support

Dozens of attendees gathered at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Crystal Lake on Saturday morning to celebrate the fall Magnificat prayer breakfast, a significant event for the Catholic women’s ministry. This gathering, part of a global network, reflects the ministry’s foundation in the relationship between Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her cousin Elizabeth, according to Cindy Widhalm, a member of the McHenry chapter’s service team.

Magnificat originated in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, hosting its inaugural prayer breakfast in 1981. The McHenry “Mary, Mother of the Eucharist” chapter, established in 2002, continues to foster community support and spiritual growth through events like this one. Saturday’s breakfast coincided with the annual McHenry County Catholic Prayer Breakfast, which included a Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Cary, followed by a gathering at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn.

First-time attendee Michelle Lundborg expressed her excitement about the event, noting the opportunity to share faith experiences with fellow parishioners. A member of St. John the Baptist Church in Johnsburg, she was particularly motivated to support the main speaker, Cindy Govekar, a fellow parishioner. Lundborg remarked, “That’s what got me.”

Mary Culver, who attended alongside her mother, Marlene Goestchel, shared her own reasons for participating. “I come to fill my cup with the spirit,” she said, highlighting the personal significance of Mary as her patron saint. Goestchel, a long-time attendee, praised Magnificat for creating a wonderful gathering of individuals dedicated to Mary.

During the breakfast, participants enjoyed a meal, sang worship songs, and listened to Govekar share her personal journey. Govekar recounted her experiences as a mother and wife, as well as some of the challenges she has faced, including widowhood. She emphasized the importance of trusting in Jesus and the guidance of the Blessed Mother, stating, “I think that we have to really embrace that and follow that as our example.”

Govekar also reflected on a childhood memory involving a moment of connection with an elderly woman in the Communion line at Mass. This encounter inspired her to aspire to be a source of support for others. “When she looked at me, she was praying for me,” Govekar said, encouraging attendees to be “rock stars” at their churches, sharing smiles and support with children in their communities.

Her talk also touched on her unexpected pregnancy during her college years, her visit to a Planned Parenthood clinic, and her gratitude for those who advocate for the unborn. Govekar expressed appreciation for the prayers that she believes saved her life.

She shared a poignant story about her first husband, who was not Catholic. After he fell ill in 2008, he expressed a desire to be confirmed. Tragically, he suffered a heart attack shortly before his confirmation. On the day he received the sacrament, Govekar recounted a powerful moment when he seemed to levitate as the priest administered the blessing. Notably, her husband passed away on August 15, the feast day of the Assumption of Mary.

Through her narrative, Govekar aimed to instill hope in her audience. “Your work is not done,” she said. “If you’re still on this side of the dirt, our Lord has a plan and a purpose for you.” The Magnificat prayer breakfast not only served as a platform for spiritual nourishment but also fostered a sense of community among those seeking to grow in their faith.